1998 d'Armailhac
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Tasting notes
An excellent vintage full of old school Pauillac markers, with firm slightly rustic tannins, undergrowth, eucalyptus, leather armchair, blackberry, raspberry, loganberry, edging of earth, rust, clove and white pepper. A good qualty Armailhac that is ready to drink, with the highest amount of Merlot in the lineup. A little less finesse than some vintages, but this is young, the tannins will elongate further over the next decade. Harvest September 28 to October 7. Around 80% 1st wine. 25% new oak. Eric Tourbier winemaker.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 36% Merlot, the 1998 D'Armailhac is medium garnet-brick in color with gorgeous spice cake, incense and dusty soil notes over a core of kirsch, blackberry pie and preserved plums with a waft of potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied, soft, spicy and with lovely freshness, plenty of mid-palate fruit and a long and exotic finish. This is fresher than the Clerc Milon. Delicious now but should hold 5 to 7+ years.
Mushroom and blackberry, with hints of flowers. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Nice texture, but needs drinking.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009
This is an up and coming Pauillac estate that is making better and better wines. Moreover, they remain realistically priced.||This is a Medoc 1998 that is revealing more mid-palate, flesh, concentration, and sweeter tannin than it did during its previous year and a half in barrel. A blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 38% Merlot, this black/purple-colored claret exhibits sweet aromas of licorice, incense, Asian spices, cedar, plums, and black currants. Full-bodied and sweet on the entry, with good acidity, definition, and ripe tannin, it will be drinkable young, yet last for 12-15 years. Wine Advocate.April, 2001
About the producer
Ch. d’Armailhac is a Pauillac Fifth Growth owned by the Rothschilds, who also own Ch. Mouton Rothschild. Lavished with the same attention to detail and having benefitted from extensive investment in recent years, this estate can offer brilliant value in comparison to its First Growth sibling.